The possible implementation of a federalist model and the Kurdish claims to self-determination :a comparative study of Iran and Turkey

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Kurds, numbering somewhat 40 million, are the largest stateless nation worldwide.As smaller minorities, they are mainly spread in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey in theMiddle East. The Kurdish claims for self-determination have been a century-longstruggle, and at the moment only the Kurds in north-Iraq have achieved the establishmentof the semi-autonomous territory of Kurdistan, and the Kurds in Syria have autonomouscontrol over the Kurdish region. Iran and Turkey with their significant Kurdishcommunities have not been successful in addressing the Kurdish claims of selfdeterminationin an efficient and structural manner. This thesis assessed the possibilitiesof a successful implementation of a federal model in Iran and Turkey in order to addressthe Kurdish claims for self-determination. The main finding of this thesis is that thecurrent political atmosphere in each country is not ready to make the necessaryaccommodations, as the transition to a federal system requires, and consequently will notbe successful in addressing the Kurdish claims of self-determination. In Iran, it is foundthat the union between religion and politics, and consequently, the controlled nature ofthe theocratic system, will not accommodate for a society along federalist principles inwhich rule is divided amongst groups in society. In Turkey, it is found that while thepolitical rule in Turkey is different from that in Iran, it is however believed that not evena possible transition to a direct Presidential system will change the governments fears ofseparatism, or the constitutional constraints which further hinders a federal transition. Asseen from the assessment of the case studies, a federal implementation is not foreseen inIran and Turkey within the nearest future, and will subsequently fail in addressing theKurdish claims of self-determination. A transition of this manner requires dedication andwillingness, and this research presents recommendations for the road towards a federalistpolitical arrangement and greater Kurdish self-determination in order to reach a peacefulsolution to the century-long Kurdish issue.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University